Five reasons to take IELTS

There are many good reasons to take the IELTS test in order to achieve your study, work, or migration goals. Here are five of the best:

1. Worldwide acceptance

IELTS is the test of choice for people seeking to move to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. IELTS is already recognised by over 11,500 organisations around the world. This includes leading universities and schools, government departments, professional associations, and companies - institutions that are keen to welcome your talent and potential.

Find out whether your preferred organisation accepts IELTS and what score you will need to work or study there.

2. Options to suit you

Not everyone’s ambition is the same, which is why there is more than one test type – and more than one way to take it. 

  • IELTS Academic – is designed for people who plan to study in English at an undergraduate or postgraduate level. 
  • IELTS General Training – is designed for people who want to migrate to an English-speaking country to live, train, or study below degree level. 
  • IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) – is for people who need a UK visa to study, work, or live in the UK.

Find out more about different IELTS test types.

With IELTS, you can also choose how you wish to take the test – either on paper or on a computer at one of our test centres. It all depends on whether you’d rather write or use a keyboard.

In addition, IELTS Online is available in selected countries. 

3. Simple scoring

It’s easy to understand your IELTS results. You will be awarded an IELTS band score from 0-9 for each test section, which reflects your proficiency in English.

Find out more information about how the test is scored.

4. Plenty of support

With IELTS, you can tap into a rich source of preparation materials to help you get to grips with all aspects of the test before you take it. No matter how proficient you are, these materials will help to refine your skills, boost your confidence, and get you fully ready for test day.

Find out more information about the different preparation resources available.

5. Personalised study-abroad options

Thanks to an exciting new partnership between British Council IELTS and ApplyBoard, when you take your test with us, you will be able to access personalised study-abroad options based on where - and what - you wish to study. Book an IELTS test.

This option is not yet available in India and China, but all other test takers are able to benefit from this innovation. Find out more here.